Overview
We transformed the Guide Meridian (SR 539) from a narrow two-lane roadway to a wider and safer four-lane highway with a two-way turn lane in the middle from Horton Road to Ten Mile Road. The project also included building new bridges over Four Mile and Ten Mile creeks.
Approximately 23,000 drivers use Guide Meridian on a daily basis north of Bellingham. The highway is a popular freight route for semitrucks, too.
 | Improves Safety
Widening the highway improves motorist safety. Drivers are able to see farther down the highway, and able to move out of the main traffic lanes to turn into driveways and businesses. The wide shoulders provide room for emergency stops and allow the postal service to deliver mail out of the way of traffic.
The number of driveways with access to the highway was reduced to increase motorist safety.
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 | Relieves Congestion
Widening the highway from two lanes to four lanes doubles the capacity of the highway and will help reduce congestion.
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 | Protects Environment
This project provided stormwater collection and treatment systems, roadside planting and new wetlands.
We built 11 water quality detention ponds.
The Deer Creek culvert was replaced to improve stream flow and fish habitat.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
This project worked with local communities and elected officials during the planning, design and construction phases.
Funding
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- Existing funds - $65.5 million
- Other agency funds - $2.9 million
developer fees
- Total funding available from all sources - $68.4 million
Contact Us
Project Engineer Chris Damitio
460 Stuart Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: 360-788-7400
E-mail: DamitiC@wsdot.wa.gov
Communications Dustin Terpening
1043 Goldenrod Road, Suite 101
Burlington, WA 98233-3415
Phone: 360-757-5947
E-mail: terpenid@wsdot.wa.gov
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